The Fairfax County rule now makes it illegal to tie a dog up outside for more than 60 minutes in a 24-hour period.

County officials previously said the dog-tethering proposal is modeled after the City of Richmond’s tethering ordinance, determined to be the best fit based on a survey of jurisdictions across Virginia. Several Virginia cities and counties have enacted tethering legislation, including cities of Fairfax and Alexandria and Arlington and Fauquier counties.

There was much discussion Tuesday about what it would mean if the dog was tied up for 61 minutes rather than the allotted 60.

“I never contemplated this would limit the amount of time you could walk your dog,” said Supervisor Michael Frey (Sully), a lifelong dog owner.

Frey added wording to the new code, which states the 60-minute limit “unless the dog is under direct supervision of his owner or a custodian.”

The motion, and the overall rule, passed.

The supervisors heard from about a dozen citizens and animal groups representatives in the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Gina Lynch of the Humane Society of Fairfax County called enacting the rule “a momentous accomplishment.”

“This will really send a message to those who would possibly abuse an animal — not today; not ever.”

County animal control officials said the ordinance is aimed at educating and stopping dog owners who would leave dogs tethered outside constantly. Tethering is bad for dogs and can cause them harm, such as in an accidental hanging or inability to defend themselves against other animals, the said.”

Not all animal advocates were in favor of the rule.

Alice Harrington of the Federation of Virginia Dog Clubs and Breeders, said “this assumes all tethering is bad, and this is not true.” She cited groomers and “dogs who are escape artists” as situations where tethering would help the pets.

“How do you cite someone for animal cruelty if there is no harm to the dog?” she said.

Said Frey: “This is not intended to solve every single problem that occurs with tethering but a section that will apply in unique circumstances, The bottom line: judgment is always going to be key in enforcing laws.”

Fines and penalties for violating the tethering provision:

First violation — Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $500.

Second violation (whether or not involving the same dog) within one year of first violation — Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $1,000 and penalty of up to six months in jail.

All subsequent violations within one year of first violation — Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $2,500 and penalty of up to one year in jail.

Q: “How do you cite someone for animal cruelty if there is no harm to the dog?” she said.

A: The same way you charge someone with rape even if there’s consent by the other party. It’s called “statutory”.

meh

what if my dog self identifies as a cat? Can we still tether it?

LesAnn620

Does this include people who leave their dogs outside on patios? Like if the dog isn’t tethered but it’s on an enclosed balcony for hours each day?

thebratwurstking

Luckily (for her), our admired companion passed earlier this year. She would not have approved of this silly new ordinance. She LOVED her time outside on our porch, 60 minutes every 24 hours surely would have complicated her social life.

What’s next? Kids (of the human kind) need to be on a leash perhaps? They sure make a lot of noise at times too. Watch out young ones, new rules are coming your way pretty soon probably!